Abstract: An example method of gaming includes determining a presence of a multiple element symbol in a player combination of symbols to be generated and displayed to a player at a gaming display. The method also includes randomly generating a first element of the multiple element symbol. The method further includes randomly generating a second element of the multiple element symbol, wherein the second element is different from the first element. Additionally, the method includes determining one or more game outcomes in the player combination of symbols, wherein each element of the multiple element symbol is evaluated for contribution to a winning pattern in the player combination of symbols enabling a plurality of different winning patterns including the multiple element symbol. The method includes outputting the player combination of symbols and an indication of the one or more game outcomes to the gaming display for player view.

Abstract: A gaming machine and associated method. Symbols are selected and presented on a display in a first random selection process. Each symbol is selected independently of each other symbol and the plurality of symbols are separated into at least three distinct groups of symbols, each group containing at least two symbol. A player of the gaming machine selects one or more of the groups of symbols to be held. In a second random selection process any symbols that are not held are reselected. A prize is paid according to a pay table and the symbols presented following the second random selection process.